Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth

Week Thirty-One

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live... (Psalms 104:33)

"It is first of all necessary for you young people to give a forceful witness of love for life, God's gift. This love must extend from the beginning to the end of every life." --Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day XI

Think About That

Life is a gift from God. Anything that takes away life or diminishes life is to deny God's gift. This is the opposite of love, and the opposite of love is sin. The taking of human life before it is born is a denial of God's love. Taking a human life in any form at any time is contrary to God's love. We must always promote and protect life.

Take Action

This week ask your mom or dad to tell you about the time when you were born. Ask them to describe how they felt when you were born, especially about the gift you were to them at that time.

Say A Prayer

Lord, help me to always promote and protect life, the life of the unborn, the life of the vulnerable, the life of the elderly. Amen.

Did You Know?

In 1985, Pope John Paul II started the first International Youth Meeting, which has become the annual World Youth Day.

My Dear Young Friends, a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II's inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Please visit www.smp.org for more information from the publisher, Saint Mary's Press.